You may be wondering how Paris, one of the most visited cities of the world, could possibly have any unique anything left to offer, but we’re here to reassure you that it does. As you’ll have seen in our guide to Hidden gems in Paris, the city still has plenty to offer that is off the beaten path, and genuinely unique and fun - and away from crowds. We’ll share nine of our favorite unique things to do in Paris with you today, but you’ll want to be sure to follow us over on Instagram for daily updates on and new discoveries as we keep exploring.
Beyond the famous landmarks of Paris lies a completely different world that many travelers never get to experience (at least not on their first few trips). It’s the Paris of the locals, the workers, the commuters, the dreamers. Paris feels different from other large cities because around the most touristy areas, you notice more visitors than Parisians - but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there!
9 Unique things to do in Paris
When we say “unique” here, we mean unique to visitors; activities that might not be the top Google hit when searching for what to do in the city of light. For locals, some of these activities are obvious, some well known, and some completely obscure. The point is, these are alternatives (or additions) to visiting the Eiffel Tower or the Tuileries. If you fall into a certain corner of the internet, Paris can feel crowded and predictable, and even a little scary. But you’re here now, and we’ll help you find your way to the more authentic side of Paris to discover places that feel more local, personal, and calm. Sprinkling a few of these activities into your itinerary can help you balance your trip so that you leave feeling like you got the best of both worlds… and hopefully with an itch to return and keep exploring!
What Makes Paris Unique
Paris Feels Small
Paris and its surrounding suburbs is one of the biggest cities in the world, boasting a population of about 13 million people. But what makes it truly special is that for many people Paris doesn’t feel like there are 13 million people wandering around - which is quite a feat for a city with such small streets riddled with nooks and crannies! One of the things that makes Paris special is its ability to feel small. If you turn down the right street, it might be empty and charming, and you might find yourself thinking you’re in an empty town in the south of France. For this, Paris is truly magical. So if you find yourself surrounded by crowds, let yourself get lost a little, and we promise you’ll find the calm.
Paris has Many Museums
Paris is also unique for its sheer volume of museums! Paris is in the top ten cities in the world for the number of museums, with over 200 on offer (don’t worry - we’re working on exploring them all!) If you’re not in the mood for the Louvre, the Marmottan might be a quieter alternative. If you’re not sure you like Impressionism, how about the Postal museum? There’s something for everyone, so don’t be afraid to look up a list and see what quirky hole in the wall museum might interest you.
Paris… is Paris!
Notre-Dame Cathedral, the stained glass of Saint-Chapelle… Paris is a city where history and architecture are the center of attention (you’re just walking along and then you see a cannonball from the 1830s stuck in a random building, how amazing is that?!), and Paris is very walkable, which isn’t the case for many major cities… There's a lot that sets Paris apart. So let’s get into a few of our favorite unique things to do.
Unique Activities In Paris
We’re constantly receiving invitations to explore more unique restaurants and activities in the City of Light, but here are a few of our tried and true favorites. Looking for even more? As we explore and learn about more of these experiences in Paris, and assuming they’re exceptional of course, we’ll add them to our Guide. The Paris in My Pocket travel guide has literally hundreds of recommendations on where to eat, drink, and hang out in Paris. Because it’s an online guide, we keep it up to date with regular additions (and some removals). No more travel guides that you have to throw out for your next trip because half of the information is obsolete. Access to Paris in My Pocket is yours for life after purchase - learn more here.
Atelier des Lumières
The Atelier des Lumières is great to visit any day, but an absolute gem to have in your pocket when it’s raining, as it’s an indoor activity. Imagine a huge open room with floor to ceiling projections of artwork that shifts, morphs, and dances to accompanying musical tracks. This experience is great solo or as a family, and can even be meditative. It’s great when you need a break from the bustle of the city, or if you’re just looking for a unique way to take in some art.
Boating in Vincennes
Jutting off of the Eastern side of the 12th arrondissement of Paris is the Parc de Vincennes. This vast expanse of fields and forest houses the Château de Vincennes, the Paris Zoo, and a Botanical garden, all of which are great experiences. However, if you’re looking for a truly unique and local experience, grab a sandwich and a bottle of wine for a picnic and head to the Lac Daumesnil. The point on the map will simply say Location des Barques du Lac Daumesnil, or boat rentals for Lac Daumesnil. Show up to rent one of these sweet little wooden paddle boats, and you’ll be able to eat your picnic right on the lake.
Taking a Motorcycle and Sidecar Tour
When we first learned about Simon’s motorcycle and sidecar tours to Paris, we thought it sounded cool, but hadn’t ever experienced anything like it before. Now we’ve been a few times and can assure you that these tours do not disappoint. This is a great way to see most of the city in one half day (or Versailles!), while learning about history and experiencing Parisian traffic - don’t worry, you’re in safe hands!
Bonus! Le Peloton Cycling Club
Are you a cyclist and looking for something more than a touristy bike tour? You’ll want to check out their website for all the details, but you can rent your gear and join a group ride most weekends of the warmer months - and the cycling routes just outside of Paris are GORGEOUS!
Unique Food Experiences Only in Paris
ATICA
One of the most interesting and delicious food experiences we’ve ever had was at ATICA on the left bank. An immersive fine dining experience, ATICA launches its menu in “Seasons”. Each new menu explores a different part of the world, and as you’re tasting local delicacies, the 360° screen surrounding you will immerse you in the landscape of your meal. Plus, one thing we love about ATICA is just how accommodating they are! If you’re vegetarian or vegan, or have other dietary needs, you’re still welcome. Just be sure to let them know ahead of time when you reserve.
And if they’re booked out, you can still visit their bar for some exceptional cocktails.
De Vie
Located in the 2nd arrondissement, De Vie is one of our recent discoveries, and we’re so glad we took them up on their invitation for dinner! Whenever we recommend a place that has invited us to dine for free, we like to be transparent about it - and to be honest, several of the places we end up going don't receive a mention. But De Vie De-Serves it.
De Vie is fine dining in a no fuss casual way. Settle in for their 8 course menu paired with drinks - you won’t regret it. This restaurant is low waste, makes their own infusions, digestifs and aperitifs by upcycling what would normally be considered food waste from the restaurant. It’s a fantastic and sustainable concept; high class taste without any of the stuffy.
Not hungry? Just like ATICA, you can reserve a spot at the bar for a cocktail without needing to dine.
Substance Café
It’s been a few years now that Substance Café has been offering their coffee visits. Run by Joachim, these tastings last 2 hours and cap the experience at five people - you’re looking at an intimate and highly informative experience. Specialty coffee has been on the rise in Paris for years now, and not all coffeeshops are created equal. At Substance, you’re guaranteed a top notch cup of coffee (and some good recommendations on where to go next)
Speaking of recommendations, we have over 100 coffee shops in our guide to Paris; we’re been testing new cafés as they open, and adding the ones that really blow us away. If you want access to all of our recommendations, along with articles on how to prepare for Paris and what to expect once you’re there, be sure to check out our guide.
Unique Things to Do With Kids in Paris
Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
One of the most exciting destinations for families is Parc de la Villette, a sprawling cultural park in northeastern Paris. Located in the 19e arrondissement, if you don’t get your information from places that share local, hidden gems, you’ll miss this area entirely. That’s a real shame, because La Villette is literally perfect for a full day of exploration with an outdoor play area where kids can climb, explore, and let their imaginations run wild.
But we particularly love the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: France’s largest science museum, featuring hands-on exhibits perfect for curious young minds. It’s an educational and entertaining stop that appeals to all ages; who doesn’t love a science museum??
And don’t worry about food or additional indoor activities as next door to Cité des Sciences you’ll find Boom Boom, an international food court surrounded by everything from escape rooms and bowling to indoor skydiving and an IMAX movie theater.
Jardin d’Acclimatation: An Old School Paris Amusement Park
Another family favorite is the Jardin d’Acclimatation. This is a seriously charming amusement park and garden in the Bois de Boulogne. It’s mostly for kids, but you’ll love how old-school it is (like, it was built in the late 1800s!) while maintaining a modern twist. We love the miniature rides and rollercoasters designed for younger children, and the beautiful gardens for strolling and relaxing while the kids burn off energy. Plus, it’s located right next to the Fondation Louis Vuitton, so you can get a little dose of grown-up culture as well!
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: Curious and Quirky
For something truly unique and whimsical, head to the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Museum of hunting, you might say? Is this crazy? Maybe a little bit, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at this perfect rainy day activity. The museum combines art, history, and nature in a way that fascinates children (and usually their parents as well). Yes, there are stuffed & mounted animals, but there are also interactive exhibits and kids will get to engage with artistic representations of wildlife throughout history, learn about hunting traditions and techniques, and much more. This is a great quiry and slightly eerie replacement for those whose kids want to go to the catacombs, when you’re really not feeling it…
And don’t forget that the best view of Paris is not the top of the Eiffel Tower - it’s somewhere you might not expect: The top of the Arc de Triomphe. From here, you can see everything. Plus, the Eiffel Tower is so close. It’s a full 360 panorama of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Grab your ticket here.
For more insider advice on how to have the best time possible in Paris, don’t forget to check out our guide. Whether you love wandering, food, coffee, or just unique things to do, we’ve got you covered. Plus, it’s access for life. Check it out here.
